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Half-day Discover Auckland City Sightseeing Tour

Offered by Auckland City Tours

From

$75.00 per person

4.9 (918 reviews)

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Tour Overview

Embark on a comprehensive exploration of Auckland, where history and modernity blend seamlessly against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. Our tour begins at the central Ferry Building on Queens Wharf, making it accessible whether you're a local or a visitor eager to uncover the city's charms.

As we navigate through the vibrant downtown waterfront, you'll experience the lively atmosphere of Viaduct Harbour. Known for its array of restaurants, bars, and an impressive collection of boats, including the America's Cup yachts, this area pulses with Auckland’s maritime spirit. Continuing to the Wynyard Quarter, you'll see a former industrial zone transformed into a bustling waterfront district, complete with the Auckland Fish Market , a perfect spot to revisit for a taste of local seafood.

Our journey then takes us over the iconic Harbour Bridge to Northcote Point, where the panoramic views from Shoal Bay offer a striking contrast to the urban landscape. Here, the city’s skyline stretches across the horizon, providing an ideal photo opportunity.

The tour wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the historic suburb of Ponsonby, where Victorian and Edwardian buildings house a diverse mix of unique shops and eateries. This area reflects Auckland's eclectic style and is a testament to its cultural evolution.

As we traverse the city, I’ll share insights into Auckland’s geography, history, and lifestyle, peppered with humor to keep you entertained. We ensure a personal touch on every tour, promising not just sights but the stories that bring Auckland to life.

Concluding back at the Ferry Building, you leave with a deeper appreciation of Auckland, inspired perhaps to explore further the places we’ve touched upon. Whether it’s the architectural heritage, the vibrant markets, or the serene viewpoints, each stop is a chapter in Auckland’s lively story.

What's Included

  • Professional guide with live commentary
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Selected convenient pick-up areas located throughout the City.

Not Included:

  • Gratuities

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Ferry Building

    Our main pick up point is alongside the Ferry Building on Queens Wharf. There's a pick-up & drop off area, that's the spot. Alternatively, we offer 4 central pick-up locations. Let us know where you are staying and we will advise the closest pick-up point. This is a very comprehensive tour and we pack a lot into the 3.5 to 4 hours. You will get a real feel for Auckland. It's geography, history, sights, and our way of life. This tour is family run, and the commentary is detailed, full of insights from a local perspective and delivered with humor.

    2 minutes

  2. 2

    Viaduct Harbour

    We drive along the downtown waterfront area, past the Viaduct Harbour, which is one of Auckland top "going out" spots. Great selection of restaurants and bars. Lots of boats, and home to the America's Cup yachts, and Whale & Dolphin watching boats

    Pass by without stopping

  3. 3

    Wynyard Quarter

    The Wynyard Quarter has been transformed into an attractive waterfront restaurant area and is home to the Auckland Fish market. great place to revisit later for some Fish and Chips.

    Pass by without stopping

  4. 4

    Westhaven Marina

    Westhaven Marina is the largest Marina in the Southern Hemisphere. We stop here for great photos of the Harbour, Harbour Bridge, and the Marina. Sometimes we see Bungy Jumpers leaping off the Harbour Bridge. Sorry., but Bungy Jumping is not included in the tour, but I can help you organise it.... There's also nice clean bathrooms here.

    10 minutes

  5. 5

    Auckland Harbour Bridge

    We travel over the Bridge to the North Shore, heading to Northcote Point.

    Pass by without stopping

  6. 6

    Little Shoal Bay Reserve

    We visit Shoal Bay in Northcote Point for arguably the best views of Auckland City from across the Harbour. Great place for photos.

    10 minutes

  7. 7

    Northcote

    Optional coffee stop. We don't stop on this tour for a formal Morning or Afternoon "Tea/Coffee" break as I prefer to show you as much of Auckland as possible. There's a couple of nice choices for takeaway drinks and snacks. Just bring them back to the bus. I have drink holders installed for this very reason.

    5 minutes

  8. 8

    Ponsonby

    Ponsonby is a Victorian/ Edwardian suburb full of lovely older buildings. Fantastic shopping, with that point of difference, and mostly privately owned shops. An extremely varied selection of stores, from fashion boutiques, gift shops, homewares, antiques, cafe's and restaurants. Well worth a re-visit after the tour.

    Pass by without stopping

  9. 9

    Karangahape Road (K Road)

    Known as a "colourful' area in the past, it's making a come-back. The nightclubs, bars, and tattoo parlors are still here, but there's also an interesting selection of shops, and cafe's. Definitely worth a re-visit.

    Pass by without stopping

  10. 10

    Mount Eden

    Fantastic elevated views of Auckland City from the summit of Mt Eden. It's a 5 - 10 minute walk from the parking lot to the Summit, but well worth the walk. There's bathrooms here.

    30 minutes

  11. 11

    Auckland Museum

    We drive through the Auckland Domain ( Park) and past the Auckland Museum. You would at least 3-4 hours to visit the Museum, so we don't stop, but the Museum is well worth a visit. Excellent exhibit on Maori and Polynesian culture, and the daily Maori cultural performance is most enjoyable.

    Pass by without stopping

  12. 12

    Parnell Rose Gardens

    We drive through the Victorian suburb of Parnell, and past the Parnell Rose Gardens. If the flowers are in bloom we can stop for some photos.

    5 minutes

  13. 13

    Mission Bay Auckland

    We are now back on the waterfront, where we enjoy a picturesque drive past Ohaku Bay, Mission Bay, Kohimarama Beach, and on to Saint Heliers.

    Pass by without stopping

  14. 14

    St Heliers

    After Achilles Point we drive through the seaside village of Saint Heliers, and then back along the waterfront, to downtown Auckland.

    Pass by without stopping

  15. 15

    Achilles Point

    Achilles Point in the suburb of Saint Heliers affords wonderful views out over the many islands in the Hauraki Gulf. There's also a nice view of Auckland City in the distance. Great photo stop.

    10 minutes

  16. 16

    The University of Auckland

    We drive along the tree-lined Symonds St, past the University of Auckland, where we head into the downtown area. .

    Pass by without stopping

  17. 17

    Auckland Central

    In the downtown city area, I'll point out the Auckland Art Gallery, and show you some of the smaller side streets, like High St, and O'Connell street where there are interesting shops.

    Pass by without stopping

  18. 18

    Queen Street

    Queen St is the main shopping street in Auckland. I point out many lovely heritage buildings, like the Auckland Town Hall & Civic Theater.

    Pass by without stopping

  19. 19

    Ferry Building

    We conclude our tour back at the Ferry Building. Alternatively, if you are staying in the downtown area, I'm happy to drop you back at your hotel. This tour is delivered with a comprehensive commentary, not just about the places we visit, but also about the geography, history , and an insight into our way of life. There's' a few funny bits as well.

    5 minutes

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

99 Quay Street

99 Quay Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

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There is a vehicle drop-off and pick-up area just to the right of the Ferry Building (behind some big red gates). We will pull in here at 10 am. Alternatively, we offer central pick-up options. Please let us know where you are staying, and we will advise the closest pick-up point.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Important Information

(027 AK TOURS) e-mail: aucklandcitytours@xtra.co.nz Central pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • A maximum of 18 people per booking
  • There is some access to the bus, if you have a Walker or a Wheelchair, but these items must be folded. There is a small step. There are handles each side of the door to help.
  • Strollers must be foldable.
  • In consideration of other guests, if you are un-well, please do not participate on the tour. I will refund.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.